Tipping in Egypt: How to deal with it

What’s the Baksheesh or Tipping in Egypt?

Tipping in Egypt is called Baksheesh and is a common custom expected by people because tipping demonstrates an expression of satisfaction and gratitude to people who provide some service.

In Arab culture, especially in Egypt, tipping is an important cultural part.

For those who aren’t used to it, constant requests for tips can be annoying, but it’s essential to stay calm and understand that it’s part of everyday life in Egypt.

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Tipping in Egypt expresses your appreciation or gratitude for the efforts of the people who offer your services.

Tipping is expected in many service sectors in Egypt and local tourist sites. It depends on your rating for the services presented.

Prices in Egypt are low compared to other tourist destinations globally, so tipping is allowed and welcomed by many working in the service sector.

Some Egyptians consider it an excellent way to thank or show gratitude or appreciation to the person who has offered you a particular service.

When traveling to Egypt, it is best to understand that tipping is essential.

Tipping is prevalent in some tourist destinations but widespread throughout Egypt.

On the other hand, low-wage workers have adopted the lifestyle to improve their income.

A waiter at a restaurant, a baggage handler who brings your items to your room, or a waiter who brings meals to your room all expect a reward.

Check out our Egypt Travel Guide to know more about Egypt.

Tips for Tipping in Egypt

• Exchange your money for the local currency (Egyptian Pounds) as the Egyptians prefer local cash.
• Always keep Egyptian pounds in your pocket, 1, 5, and 10 pounds, as you will need them repeatedly.
• If you cannot exchange currency, it is preferable to use US Dollars as it is more acceptable than other currencies.
• After receiving the service, you must tip like receiving your bags in a hotel or cruise room.
• On the Nile Cruise, the tip is collectively listed on the last night of the cruise journey before Check-out in an envelope for the receptionist or in the tip box dedicated for this, and don’t forget
• to write the cabin number on the envelope.
• It’s considered polite of you to discreetly insist on the person who declines a tip once or twice.
• You don’t need to tip every person who asks for it. You can list if the service is good and you are suitably satisfied.
• If you don’t like the service, you don’t need to tip.

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Remember that Egypt has many vendors trying to sell you stuff, so if you don’t want to buy it, don’t be afraid to say “La Shukran” (meaning No thanks!) to avoid them.

However, with low prices, Egypt is an excellent place to visit, so tipping will not negatively affect your trip to Egypt.

Important notes:

• Tipping exists in Egypt, but it is not mandatory, although expected.
• The restaurant charges the service fee on the invoice, which is currently 12% in Egypt; you are not asked to pay a tip on top of the invoice.
• Ask your Guide about the value of tips for services you think to deserve a tip.

Tips in Egypt: How much should you tip in Egypt?

Tipping can have a significant impact on your travel experience in Egypt.

Do not hesitate to give generous tips; you will be sure to receive conservative treatment in return.

Below is a list of everyday situations where it is advisable to tip appropriately.

• Restaurant: it is usual to leave between 5 and 10% of the tip amount, in addition to the service charges. If you smoke shisha, don’t hesitate to give 5 Egyptian pounds to the waiter who brings you the embers.
• Hotel: Normally, $ 1-3 usually left with the doorman and other employees
• Hotel Bags: I suggest giving between 10 or 20 Egyptian pounds.
• Tour Guide and Driver: A standard tip for the Tour Guide is $30 to $50 per person for the trip, and for the Driver, US$10 to $20.
• Guardians (WC…): An amount of 5 Egyptian pounds is appropriate
• Guardians on archaeological sites: 10 Egyptian pounds are suitable for a particular extra service. The tip is only to be given if you have formulated your agreement and accepted or requested this service.

Tipping in Egypt: When not to tip?

In general, the decision to tip is entirely up to you. If you feel that exchanging money in a given situation is inappropriate or someone urges you to pay, do not hesitate to refuse. Below are some cases where tipping is not necessary or appropriate:

• In return for information about the department or in response to any request for information. You will likely meet people who will refuse any money to help you find your way, and this is what we call Egyptian hospitality.
• If someone asks you to pay for something you didn’t ask for.
• Watch the meter and refuse if the driver asks for more in a taxi. If there is no meter, agree on a price before boarding the car.

We hope this Guide will answer some of your questions about Tipping in Egypt. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions. The most important thing is that you enjoy every moment in Egypt!